What is it like to be blind? Or to have autism, cerebral palsy or paralysis?
Montevideo Elementary students got a lesson in empathy Thursday during Ability Awareness Day.
Check out photos above to see more from the event.
Volunteer Luci Nilson of Mission Viejo has a son with muscular dystrophy who will join Montevideo next year. Her able-bodied son Jake is already in second grade.
"Jake is the protector of Henry," she said.
The 7-year-old fundraises for his brother and helps him up playground equipment.
Nilson said events like this are essential to protect the disabled from future bullying.
"You need to start when kids are young to teach them compassion, understanding, tolerance," she said.
Phong Le of Mission Viejo showed students some athletic equipment for people with limited use of their lower extremities. Le said the Orange County chapter of Disabled Sports USA brings disabled people on snow skiing trips and other events.
"I do it to give back to the community," he said. "It's really about inclusion. If you have a desire to learn how to ski, we'll help you with that."
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